The 2025 NBA free-agent class promises to be one of the most exciting and star-studded in recent memory. With several marquee names including Jimmy Butler and Kyrie Irving potentially hitting the open market, teams will have the opportunity to secure franchise-altering players. As front offices gear up for what could be a pivotal summer, we rank the 30 best free agents in 2025 into five different tiers.
Tier 1: The Best Free Agent In 2025
Jimmy Butler - $52,413,394 Player Option
Jimmy Butler, the epitome of a clutch performer, will undoubtedly be the most coveted free agent in 2025 if he opts out of his player option even if he will be 36 years old. With his tenacious defense and ability to take over games, Butler has been the cornerstone of the Miami Heat's success since his arrival. His 2024 season saw him average 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, further solidifying his status as one of the league's premier two-way players. However, there have been rumors that Butler could be leaving the Heat because an extension will only be offered if the player can meet Pat Riley’s challenges . So far, it seems Butler could be playing his last season in Miami in 2024-25.
Tier 2: Superstar
Kyrie Irving - $43,962,963 Player Option
Kyrie Irving, one of the most electrifying guards in the NBA, could become a free agent if he declines his player option or if he can’t reach an extension with the Dallas Mavericks. Renowned for his unparalleled ball-handling skills and clutch shooting, Irving averaged 25.6 points and 5.2 assists per game in the 2024 season. After helping the Mavericks make the NBA Finals in 2023-24, Irving’s on-court brilliance cannot be denied. Irving's ability to create his own shot and orchestrate the offense makes him a highly sought-after asset and the Mavericks will quickly re-sign him to keep him in town alongside Luka Doncic.
Tier 3: All-Stars
Jamal Murray (UFA)
Lauri Markkanen (UFA)
Brandon Ingram (UFA)
Alperen Sengun - RFA
Julius Randle - $30,935,520 Player Option
Rudy Gobert - $46,655,173 Player Option
Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets' dynamic guard, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Known for his scoring outbursts and playoff heroics, Murray played a pivotal role in the Nuggets' championship run in 2023. Averaging 21.2 points and 6.5 assists per game in the 2024 season, Murray's blend of scoring and playmaking makes him a premier target for any team but it is more than likely the Nuggets will sign an extension.
Lauri Markkanen , a one-time All-Star, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. The 7-foot forward had a breakout year with the Utah Jazz in 2023 and followed up with averages of 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Markkanen's ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, combined with his improved defense and rebounding, makes him an attractive option for teams seeking a skilled big man who can contribute on both ends of the court.
Brandon Ingram’s time in New Orleans could be up and if he isn’t traded, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Ingram, who averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in 2024, has developed into one of the league's most consistent scorers. His length and agility allow him to score at all three levels, and his playmaking abilities have steadily improved meaning it will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Alperen Sengun , a rising star for the Houston Rockets, will be a restricted free agent in 2025. The young center showcased his potential with averages of 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in a breakout campaign. Known for his exceptional footwork and passing skills, Sengun has drawn comparisons to Nikola Jokic with his versatile offensive game and high basketball IQ, and the Rockets will likely retain him in 2024-25 regardless of whether they sign an extension or not.
Julius Randle , the New York Knicks' All-Star forward, has a player option for 2025. Randle, who averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game in 2024, is known for his physicality and ability to score in a variety of ways. His playmaking from the forward position and relentless work on the boards make him a valuable asset for the Knicks if they want to bring him back but if not, they should look to trade him as soon as possible.
Rudy Gobert, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in the 2024 season, and remains one of the league's premier rim protectors. His defensive presence and rebounding prowess are unmatched right now so the Timberwolves need to decide if they want to continue pairing him with Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt for the foreseeable future.
Tier 4: Fringe All-Stars
Fred VanVleet - $44,886,930 Team Option
Jalen Green - RFA
Myles Turner - UFA
Aaron Gordon - $22,841,455 Player Option
Khris Middleton - $34,012,345 Player Option
Jonathan Kuminga - RFA
Fred VanVleet has a monster team option for 2025. Known for his gritty defense and clutch shooting, VanVleet averaged 17.4 points and 8.1 assists per game in 2024. His leadership and championship experience make him a valuable addition to any team looking for a reliable guard who excels in both playmaking and scoring, but the Houston Rockets can’t really afford to lose him and could offer an extension.
Jalen Green, the explosive young guard for the Houston Rockets, will be a restricted free agent in 2025. Green, who averaged 19.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 2024, is known for his athleticism and scoring ability. His potential to become a star makes him a highly attractive target for teams looking to add a dynamic scorer with tremendous upside. The Rockets have a lot to decide on after the 2024-25 season, and what they do with Green will be key for their future.
Myles Turner , one of the league's premier shot-blockers, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Turner, who averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game in 2024, is known for his defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His combination of rim protection and floor spacing makes him an ideal fit for teams seeking a versatile big man, but the Pacers would be foolish to let him walk since Pascal Siakam was re-signed.
Aaron Gordon averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in 2024, and is known for his defensive versatility and athleticism. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable asset for the Nuggets and the Denver-based franchise cannot afford to lose another key starter after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this summer.
Khris Middleton, the Milwaukee Bucks' former All-Star, has a player option for 2025 and he might take it considering he has not hit the heights of the past. Middleton, who averaged 15.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in 2024, is still known for his shooting prowess and clutch performances. His ability to score efficiently and provide secondary playmaking makes him a key player for the Bucks alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, but he might look to see which team pays him the most after next season.
Finally, Jonathan Kuminga , the promising forward for the Golden State Warriors , will be a restricted free agent in 2025. Kuminga, who averaged 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2024, had a breakout season in 2023-24. His development as a scorer and defender makes him a highly attractive target for teams looking to add a young and versatile forward with significant upside, but it is almost guaranteed the Warriors will extend his contract for the long term.
Tier 5: Starting-Caliber Players
Alex Caruso - UFA
Jalen Suggs - RFA
Jalen Johnson - RFA
D’Angelo Russell - UFA
Naz Reid - $15,022,464 Player Option
Bobby Portis - $13,445,754 Player Option
Clint Capela - UFA
Nickeil Alexander-Walker - UFA
Josh Giddey - RFA
Cam Thomas - RFA
Brook Lopez - UFA
Trey Murphy - RFA
John Collins - $26,580,000 Player Option
Caris LeVert - UFA
Bruce Brown - UFA
Ivica Zubac - UFA
Alex Caruso , the gritty guard known for his defensive tenacity, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 as he looks towards a new start with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Caruso, who averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game in 2024, is valued for his high basketball IQ and ability to make winning plays. His experience and defensive prowess make him a valuable addition to the Thunder and they would love to have him for the long term alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jalen Suggs averaged 12.6 points and 1.4 steals per game in 2024 and is known for his defensive capabilities and playmaking potential. His development as a scorer and leader makes him a prime target for teams looking to add a young and talented guard, but the Magic will more than likely retain their All-NBA Defensive member going forward.
Jalen Johnson, a young and versatile forward for the Atlanta Hawks, will be a restricted free agent in 2025. Johnson, who averaged 16.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in 2024 is showing growth as a two-way player and the Hawks would love to bring him back for the long-term.
D’Angelo Russell , the sharpshooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, will hit unrestricted free agency in 2025 after accepting his player option in 2024. With an impressive 2024 season averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists per game, Russell's knack for creating offense and his seasoned playmaking skills make him a prime candidate for teams seeking an experienced and dynamic guard to bolster their backcourt. In other words, Russell’s time in Los Angeles could be over soon.
Naz Reid, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, has a player option for the 2025 season. Reid, who averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game on 41.4% from three in 2024, is known for his scoring touch and floor-stretching abilities. His capability to provide both interior defense and offensive versatility makes him a perfect player for the Timberwolves and they would love to bring him back.
With his energetic and aggressive play, Bobby Portis averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in 2024. Whether coming off the bench or starting, his scoring and rebounding prowess make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a reliable and versatile forward. The Bucks will likely choose between Portis and Brook Lopez and Portis might win a spot on the team considering his age.
Clint Capela, the defensive center for the Atlanta Hawks, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Capela's 2024 season saw him average 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Renowned for his rim protection and effectiveness in the pick-and-roll, Capela’s defensive presence and rebounding capabilities make him a sought-after target for teams looking for a proven big man.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker of the Minnesota Timberwolves will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and he proved to be an excellent bench player for them in 2024. With averages of 8.0 points and 2.5 assists per game in 2024, Alexander-Walker is known for his scoring and playmaking abilities and his defense has improved tremendously as the months went by.
The newest member of the Chicago Bulls, Josh Giddey will be a restricted free agent in 2025. Giddey, who posted averages of 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game in 2024, is celebrated for his playmaking and rebounding from the guard position. His burgeoning potential makes him a top priority for the Bulls who traded All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to acquire him.
With excellent scoring ability, Cam Thomas averaged 22.5 points per game in 2024. His knack for creating his own shot and scoring in bunches makes him a valuable prospect for teams in need of a dynamic offensive player. Obviously, the Nets will hold onto Thomas as long as possible since he is only 22 years old.
Veteran center Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks will be nearly 38 years old by free agency in 2025. Lopez, who averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in 2024, is renowned for his rim protection and three-point shooting. His experience and ability to stretch the floor make him a significant addition to any team seeking a reliable and versatile big man in his final seasons.
The New Orleans Pelicans are likely making moves this summer but Trey Murphy could be a keeper. Murphy, who averaged 14.8 points per game in 2024, is known for his sharpshooting and defensive versatility. As a promising 3-and-D player, he is a prime player for a re-tooling franchise that wants young players.
John Collins of the Utah Jazz holds a player option for the 2025 season. Collins, who averaged 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in 2024, is celebrated for his scoring and rebounding ability but he would be wise to accept his player option unless he gets a long-term offer that could be upwards of $70 million.
Caris LeVert of the Cleveland Cavaliers will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and it isn’t a foregone conclusion he will leave the team. LeVert, who posted averages of 14.0 points and 5.1 assists per game in 2024, is an excellent bench player for a talented Cavs roster. His versatility and ability to excel in various roles make him a valuable asset for any team looking for a seasoned and talented guard.
Bruce Brown is set to make over $20 million this season but he might not get that same deal yearly in his next deal. The Denver Nuggets sorely missed Brown (10.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG in 2023-24) in their championship run in 2023-24 and he seems to be the missing piece for any title contender with some cap space needing two-way play.
Ivica Zubac might remain in Los Angeles for the long-term considering the Clippers don’t have any other option, and unless they can go for a more talented center such as Clint Capela, they will likely re-sign Zubac to fortify the paint since James Harden and Kawhi Leonard need a lob partner. The big man averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last year so he clearly can be a starting center going forward.
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